Political Quotes

On the record
If War were not sanctioned by the Commonwealth of Nations, as the means of determining international controversies, then forts, navies, armies, military display, military chaplains, and military sermons would not exist.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner argues that the acceptance of war by nations legitimizes military preparations.

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Confessing the Fatherhood of God, and the consequent Brotherhood of Man, we find a divine standard of unquestionable accuracy.

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Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.

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But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.

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It is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.

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